Xploration Lab 2012

March 17 - August 26, 2012

Part-classroom, part-exhibition prototype; participate and experiment with hands-on activities designed to engage audiences of all ages in an exploration of culture and identity.

Within the Xploration Lab galleries are numerous activities related to the concept of identity. Everyday, we interact within a variety of social categories that we embrace or not. How we choose to interact within these various categories is a form of self-categorization or identification that shape our identities. Over time, we will engage with more categories further shaping how we view ourselves. Our identities are ever evolving and ever changing throughout our entire lives.

Xlab is an experimental exhibition where YOU participate! Your goal is to explore the various activities and leave us your comments. With your input, you, the visitor, will help us better shape our exhibitions in the future. The culmination of these activities may eventually become part of our core exhibition on culture and identity in America today.

Many of the activities and components will evolve and change, so come back to see how the project transforms as a result of your input and participation!

Xploration Lab 2012 is a follow-up to last year’s Xploration Lab in which we tested visitor reactions and participation with various activities focused on the World War II Japanese American experience.

Major funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services with additional support provided by The James Irvine Foundation.